As many of you may or may not know, I am currently interning for Dynasty Athlete Representation, LLC, under someone who I consider to be a great role model and most importantly a friend – Darren Heitner.
Ever since I realized I would not be the ‘shining star’ on the court as I always wanted to be (rather a warm body on the bench), I have wanted to become a ‘Sports Agent.’ If Jerry Maguire taught us anything, it is that being a sports agent is cool. Well, maybe that’s only partially true.
So what’s my opinion on becoming a sports agent? Perception is sometimes different than reality.
Many people on the ‘outside,’ believe that it is all about money, fame, big-time negotiations, and guest appearances at pro sidelines, but in actuality it is more so about the core-fundamentals of both business and law. You are a business person.
It’s tough to get into this business – I’ve sent emails, letters, networked, reverse-networked, you name it, and have received a low yield of replies. For someone who has tossed around the idea of a career in sports more times than TO (Terrell Owens) has jumped teams, I have concluded one thing: You must provide some type of value to get in and stay in this business. If you can’t do something for someone, then they really don’t want you.
It’s hard to hear, but it’s true.
Some people are just not cut out for this role in the sports or even entertainment industry – you must have something driving you, a voice, a calling, a passion, compelling you to get up each and every morning and fight for your beliefs and most importantly your client. I prefer to refer to a sports agent as an Advocate – you are the voice that prevails among owners, GM’s, and a slue of bad people in this world.
It may seem ‘holistic,’ and it quite possibly could be, but I believe in strong values and a stronger proposition.
If you’re thinking about exploring the route of becoming a sports agent, just remember, you must love to network, have a passion for competition, and have a greater sense of urgency to connect with others, both at a professional and a personal level.
It’s easy to spot a fake, so stay true to who you are; don’t back down from anyone or anything – the right opportunities will arise if you are persistent and patient.
One reply on “A Newcomer’s Perspective Part I: How to Break Into the Industry – And Know It’s Not For Me”
Great article Wade. Really some pieces of advice I will be sure to keep in the back of my head.